8 Romantic Getaways in the Midwest to Explore and Relax

The U.S. may be home to a number of romantic getaway locations fit for amazing trips, but sometimes you want something more slow-paced and relaxing. When it’s time to take a break and reconnect with someone special in your life, choosing one of several romantic Midwest destinations can be the ideal choice. Less tourism, more privacy and incredible things to do can make a getaway mid-week or a long weekend to the Midwest the rejuvenating experience you desire.

Planning a trip that excludes romance and keeps you both engaged can be challenging. There are many romantic Midwest destinations, but planning a trip requires time and effort. To make that easier for you, this guide will explore eight romantic getaways in the Midwest to explore and relax at, no matter what type of experience you’re after.

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French Lick is a small town nestled into the historic mineral springs area of southern Indiana. It’s home to a former casino, the French Lick Scenic Railway and the Hoosier National Forest.

With so much to do in French Lick, it’s easy enough to find things for both of you to enjoy. There's an abundance of luxurious hotels here, noted for their romantic packages (think carriage rides and spa treatments). You can also spend your time on the golf course, enjoy a sunset wine cruise along Patoka Lake or enjoy the privacy of a cozy cabin tucked into the forested areas.

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As one of the premier couples' destinations in the Midwest, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has much to offer. For some, there’s nothing quite like a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering incredible views that are simply impossible to beat. Having a quiet conversation overlooking the running water is special.

You could take the Gatlinburg SkyLift for a panoramic view, enjoy a couples massage at one of the area locations and enjoy romantic dinners overlooking the mountains. Horseback riding, ice skating in the winter and upscale dining, which often requires a formal dress, are all enjoyable activities to experience here. Tempt fate on the zip line or work together to visit Anakeesta, a treetop skywalk nature park.

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Another of the best couples locations in the Midwest caters to those who want the finer things in life, at least for a few days. Chicago is home to exceptional destinations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Field Museum. From sports enthusiasts to those who crave fine dining with a view of the city skyline, there's something magical about an evening out in Chicago. Regardless of the time of year you visit, you will find festivals, entertainment and world-class experiences.

You can spend time at the AIRE Ancient Baths for a spa day, take a culinary tour of Chicago’s gastro pubs and head to a jazz lounge for an evening of music and dancing. For those who enjoy the outdoors, kayaking along Lake Michigan and spending the day at the Lincoln Park Zoo are all exciting opportunities.

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Lake Geneva is a resort community in Wisconsin that stands out as a unique destination among its nearby counterparts. It is home to various activities right on the lake, from fishing to kayaking. The community was once a popular summertime destination for Chicago’s elite and today it boasts some of the finest examples of Gilded Age architecture and Victorian furnishings.

As one of the best getaways for couples in the Midwest, Lake Geneva offers some interesting choices, including the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon ride across the lake or sit around the fire pits at the Grand Geneva Resort to warm up on a cool night. You can explore the wine tasting along one of the trails here, head out onto the water for a sunset cruise and explore the fun shopping at local shops along the historic estates near the Geneva Lake Shore Path.

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Mackinac Island, situated in Lake Huron, has long been one of the most desirable destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The limestone Arch Rock formation has attracted nature-seekers for years, while those who enjoy the country’s history find the clusters of military buildings and stories here fascinating.

Choose the type of experience you want to enjoy, whether that’s a stay in a luxurious hotel or camping in a nearby campground. Explore Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes for a bit of history or explore the numerous artisan shops and small restaurants. You can enjoy horseback riding here, try your hand at rock climbing or take a sunset kayaking tour of the waterfront. Paddleboarding and sailing are also exceptional reasons to visit. As one of the most diverse Midwestern couples' destinations, this is the type of trip you can make your own.

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For those looking for a nature-infused option that boasts fun adventures and long nights in the hot tub overlooking the stars, make a trip to Hocking Hills a weekend getaway. As one of the best getaways for couples in the Midwest who love the outdoors, Hocking Hills offers exciting opportunities, including cave explorations such as Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, waterfall exploring at Cedar Falls or rock climbing at Cantwell Cliffs. What you will find here is a wide range of options – for those who want something slow and relaxing or those who are after a high-adventure experience.

Spend some time hiking in Conkle’s Hollow. Stay in one of the area’s treehouses overlooking the dense forests. You can always enjoy the Amish restaurants and shops nearby or take on some of the luxury outlet malls and bed and breakfast destinations within a short drive. Hocking Hills State Park offers excellent camping areas, while luxury hotels are also available just minutes away.

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New Ulm is situated near the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Cottonwood River. When it comes to romantic locations in the Midwest, it may not be the first choice you think of, mainly because this small town of about 14,000 people is not a huge tourist draw, but there are plenty of reasons to visit. Visit the Grand Center for Arts and Culture and the Morgan Creek Vineyards to learn about the history of this community at Kiesling House. i

Enjoy the history at the Hermann Monument or take in the comedy at the Wanda Gag House. You can visit the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame or travel to Faldrau State Park for some time outdoors. Couples will find breweries, wineries and German restaurants dotting the landscape. There are festivals throughout the year, small shops to explore and stunning German architecture throughout the region.

Getty Images / Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)

Put-in-Bay is a small village most of the time. During the spring through fall months, it becomes one of the most desirable areas of the Lake Erie waterfront in Ohio. Located on South Bass Island, it is a destination known for its role in various wars, including the location of Perry’s Victory and the International Peace Memorial.

For those seeking getaways for couples in the Midwest, Put-in-Bay offers numerous reasons to visit, including those who want very different experiences. You could spend your time hiking and then catching the sunset at the South Bass Island State Park, with its breathtaking views. You can tour the Heineman’s Winery for a comfortable evening or take to the skies through a helicopter ride over the waterfront. Some love the bed and breakfasts while others will want to head to the golf course (and for those who want something very different, head off across the lake to Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to the Midwest today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets. No matter what you think is the best way to experience romance as a couple, you are sure to find the best experiences here.